System and method for simultaneously broadcasting multiple media-components

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a system and method for simultaneously broadcasting video components (VCs). In one example, a method includes an automation-system (AS) selecting a log entry including (i) a first identifier that maps to a first VC, and (ii) a second identifier that maps to a second VC; a recording-and-playout device (RAPD) retrieving the first VC; the RAPD sending the retrieved first-VC to an encoder; the encoder generating a first transport-stream (TS) having (i) program-identification (PID) data, and (ii) payload data including the sent first-VC; the encoder sending the generated first-TS to a first outbound-broadcast device (OBD); the encoder sending the generated first-TS to a transport-stream splicer; the AS loading the splicer with the second VC; the splicer generating a second TS having (i) the PID data of the generated first-TS, and (ii) payload data including the loaded second-VC; and the splicer sending the generated second-TS to a second OBD.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/542,103 filed Sep. 30, 2011, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

This disclosure is also a continuation of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/970,308 filed Aug. 19, 2013, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/629,468 filed Sep.27, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,539,526 issued Sep. 17, 2013.

USAGE AND TERMINOLOGY

Throughout this application, with respect to all reasonable derivativesof such terms, and unless otherwise specified (and/or unless theparticular context clearly dictates otherwise), each usage of:

-   -   “a” or “an” is meant to read as “at least one.”    -   “the” is meant to be read as “the at least one.”    -   the term “video” refers broadly to any material represented in a        video format (i.e., having a plurality of frames). In some        instances, video may include a plurality of sequential frames        that are identical or nearly identical, and that may give the        impression of a “still” image. Video may or may not include an        audio portion.    -   the term “audio” refers broadly to any material represented in        an audio format.    -   The term “media-component” (MC) refers to video or audio that        one of ordinary skill in the art would typically consider to be        self-contained, and that is typically separately scheduled by a        traffic system in a broadcasting environment.    -   the term “video-component” (VC) refers to a particular type of        MC, namely one that includes video, and that is typically        separately scheduled by a traffic system in a        television-broadcasting environment. There are several types of        VCs, including for example a show-segment VC, such as a        six-minute segment of a news program or a five-minute segment of        an episode of a sitcom. Another example type of VC is a        commercial VC, such as a thirty-second advertisement for a        product. Yet another example type of VC is a promotion VC, such        as a fifteen-second promotion for a news program.    -   The term “audio-component” (AC) refers to a particular type of        MC, namely one that contains audio, and that is typically        separately scheduled by a scheduling traffic system in a        radio-broadcasting environment. Similar to a VC, there are        several types of ACs, including for example a show-segment AC,        such as a six-minute segment of a news program. Another example        type of AC is a commercial AC, such as a thirty-second        advertisement for a product. Yet another example type of AC is a        promotion AC, such as a fifteen-second promotion for a news        program.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed system and method relates to broadcastingtechnology, inducing for example, television-broadcasting andradio-broadcasting technology.

BACKGROUND

In the field of television broadcasting, traffic systems are softwareand/or hardware packages that may be used, among other things, toschedule and sequence VCs intended for broadcast (e.g., over the air).To schedule VCs, a traffic manager may interact with a traffic system tocreate a traffic log (“log”). A log may indicate which VCs are intendedto be broadcast during a particular time span, and further may indicatewhen each VC is intended to be broadcast. A log may include multiple logentries, with each log entry corresponding to one VC and scheduling datafor that VC. The log therefore may represent the sequence of VCsintended to be broadcast during the time span.

A traffic system typically communicates with a master control system(MCS), which is the technical hub of a broadcast operation and is thefinal point before a VC is sent to an air-chain system for broadcast.More specifically, the traffic system typically communicates with amaster-control automation-system (AS) of the MCS. The AS is the logiccenter of the MCS and may cause the MCS and/or another entity to performvarious functions. Through a communication path, the traffic system mayprovide the log to the AS, such that the AS may traverse and select logentries according to their corresponding scheduling data. The AS maythen cause the MCS and/or another entity to perform certain functionscorresponding to each selected log entry. Such functions typicallyinclude the MCS retrieving from a data storage the VC corresponding tothe log entry, channeling the VC through one or more entities within theMCS (e.g., through one or more switches), and sending the VC to anair-chain system for broadcast.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a system and method for simultaneously broadcastingmultiple video components (VC). In one example, a method involves (i) amaster-control automation-system (AS) selecting a log entry from atelevision-broadcast traffic-log, the log entry including (a) a firstidentifier that maps to a first VC and (b) a second identifier that mapsto a second VC; (ii) responsive to the AS selecting the log entry, arecording-and-playout device (RAPD) retrieving the first VC; (iii) theRAPD sending the retrieved first-VC to an encoder; (iv) the encodergenerating a first transport-stream (TS) having (a)program-identification (PID) data, and (b) payload data including thesent first-VC; (v) the encoder sending the generated first-TS to a firstoutbound-broadcast device (OBD) for television-broadcast; (vi) theencoder sending the generated first-TS to a transport-stream splicer;(vii) responsive to the AS selecting the log entry, the AS loading thesplicer with the second VC; (viii) the splicer generating a second TShaving (a) the PID data of the generated first-TS, and (b) payload dataincluding the loaded second-VC; and (ix) the splicer sending thegenerated second-TS to a second OBD for television-broadcast,simultaneously while the encoder sends the generated first-TS to thefirst OBD.

In another example, a method involves (i) selecting a log entry from atelevision-broadcast traffic-log, the log entry including (a) a firstidentifier that maps to a first VC and (b) a second identifier that mapsto a second VC; (ii) generating a first TS having (a) PID data, and (b)payload data including the first VC; (iii) sending the generatedfirst-TS to a first OBD for television-broadcast; (iv) generating asecond TS having (a) the PID data of the generated first-TS, and (b)payload data including the second VC; and (v) sending the generatedsecond-TS to a second OBD for television-broadcast, simultaneously whilesending the generated first-TS to the first OBD.

In another example, a television-broadcasting system includes (i) aRAPD; (ii) a switching network; (iii) an encoder, wherein the RAPD isconnected to the encoder via the switching network; (iv) a first OBDconnected to the encoder; (v) a transport-stream splicer connected tothe encoder; (vi) a second OBD connected to the splicer; and (vii) an ASconnected to the RAPD, the switching network, and the splicer.

In the example system, the AS is configured to (i) select a log entryfrom a television-broadcast traffic-log, the log entry including (a) afirst identifier that maps to a first VC and (b) a second identifierthat maps to a second VC, and (ii) responsive to selecting the logentry, cause (a) the RAPD to retrieve the first VC, and (b) load thesplicer with the second VC. In the example system, the RAPD isconfigured to send the retrieved first-VC to the encoder;

In the example system, the encoder is configured to (i) generate a firstTS having (a) PID data, and (b) payload data including the sentfirst-VC, (ii) send the generated first-TS to the first OBD fortelevision-broadcast, and (iii) send the generated first-TS to thesplicer.

In the example system, the splicer is configured to (i) generate asecond TS having (a) the PID data of the generated first-TS, and (b)payload data including the loaded second-VC; and (ii) send the generatedsecond-TS to the second OBD for television-broadcast, simultaneouslywhile the encoder sends the generated first-TS to the first OBD.

In another example, a method involves (i) an AS selecting a log entryfrom a radio-broadcast traffic-log, the log entry including (a) a firstidentifier that maps to a first audio-component (AC) and (b) a secondidentifier that maps to a second AC; (ii) responsive to the AS selectingthe log entry, a RAPD retrieving the first AC; (iii) the RAPD sendingthe retrieved first-AC to an encoder; (iv) the encoder generating afirst data-stream (DS) including the sent first-AC; (v) the encodersending the generated first-DS to a first OBD for radio-broadcast; (vi)the encoder sending the generated first-DS to a transport-streamsplicer; (vii) responsive to the AS selecting the log entry, the ASloading the splicer with the second AC; (viii) the splicer generating asecond DS that maintains the continuity of the generated first DS, andthat includes the loaded second DS; and (ix) the splicer sending thegenerated second-TS to a second OBD for radio-broadcast, simultaneouslywhile the encoder sends the generated first-TS to the first OBD.

In another example, a method involves (i) an AS selecting a log entryfrom a traffic-log, the log entry including (a) a first identifier thatmaps to a first VC and (b) a second identifier that maps to a second VC;(ii) responsive to the AS selecting the log entry, a RAPD retrieving thefirst VC; (iii) the RAPD sending the retrieved first-VC to an encoder;(iv) the encoder generating a first TS having (i) PID data, and (ii)payload data including the sent first-VC; (v) the encoder sending thegenerated first-TS to a first OBD for broadcast; (vi) the encodersending the generated first-TS to a transport-stream splicer; (vii)responsive to the AS selecting the log entry, the AS loading the splicerwith the second VC; (viii) the splicer generating a second TS having (a)the PID data of the generated first-TS, and (b) payload data includingthe loaded second-VC; and (ix) the splicer sending the generatedsecond-TS to a second OBD for broadcast, simultaneously while theencoder sends the generated first-TS to the first OBD.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of an exampletelevision-broadcasting system.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of an example traffic system.

FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of an example recording-and-playoutsystem.

FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of an example master controlsystem.

FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram of an example air-chain system.

FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of another exampletelevision-broadcasting system.

FIG. 7 is a simplified block diagram of another recording-and-playoutsystem.

FIG. 8 is a simplified block diagram of another example master controlsystem and another example air-chain system.

FIG. 9A shows a first part of a flow chart illustrating functions inaccordance with an example method.

FIG. 9B shows a second part of the flow chart of FIG. 9A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS I. Overview

In the television-broadcasting industry, traffic systems are provided bymultiple vendors, and often include distinguishing features. However,for a variety of reasons such as to provide compatibility, many trafficsystems create logs according to a general industry-wide standard.Likewise, many ASs are configured to receive logs based on thisstandard. A log entry based on this standard typically includes certainattributes. These attributes may be generated automatically (e.g., bythe traffic system) or may be provided by a traffic manager.

One such attribute is a house number, which identifies the VC thatcorresponds to the log entry. Typically, the house number is a uniqueidentifier within a broadcasting system, and maps to a file location ina data storage where the VC is stored. As such, by obtaining the housenumber, the AS may use a mapping table to determine the correspondingfile location, and may then retrieve the VC stored in that filelocation. Two examples of well-known traffic systems that use housenumbers in this manner include WO Traffic provided by WideOrbit Inc. ofSan Francisco, Calif., and OSi-Traffic™ provided by Harris Corporationof Melbourne, Fla.

Additional common attributes based on this standard include thoserelating to scheduling data. For example, a log entry may have a starttime that represents the intended start time for the corresponding VC,and a duration that represents the duration of the corresponding VC.

Still additional common attributes based on this standard include atitle, an episode number, a segment number, and one or more auxiliaryvalues. The title provides a description of the corresponding VC. Theepisode number identifies a particular episode of a show, and isincluded in a log entry that corresponds to a show-segment VC. Thesegment number identifies a particular segment number of a show, and isincluded in a log entry that corresponds to a show-segment VC. The oneor more auxiliary values are typically used for notes (e.g., such that atraffic manager may provide a note to a master control operator aboutthe corresponding log entry).

The above-described attributes are stored within corresponding fields inthe log entry. For example, the house number is stored in a house-numberfield in the log entry. Likewise, the one or more auxiliary values arestored in one or more auxiliary-value fields in the log entry.

Once the VC is retrieved, the VC may be channeled through one or moreentities within the MCS (e.g., through one or more switches), and sentto an air-chain system for broadcast (e.g., over the air or overInternet Protocol (IP)). An air-chain system typically includes anencoder and one or more outbound-broadcast devices (OBD) (e.g., atransmitter, a satellite, or a terrestrial fiber transmitter), eachcorresponding to a different service provider. As such, atelevision-broadcasting system may be configured to broadcast one VC tousers of different service providers simultaneously.

While broadcasting a single VC to multiple users is common in thebroadcasting industry, in some instances, there may be an exceptionwhere it is desired to broadcast multiple VCs simultaneously, each to adifferent group of users based on their service provider. For example,consider a cable-television provider A who produces a commercial VC thatpromotes a low, introductory rate for users who sign-up with theprovider A. Consider further that the provider A purchases a commercialspot from a broadcasting company whose system broadcasts videosimultaneously to an OBD A corresponding to the provider A, and to anOBD B corresponding to a cable provider B, a competitor of provider A.In this example, the provider A likely wants the commercial VC tobroadcast to users of provider B (to encourage those users to changeproviders). However, the provider A likely does not want the commercialVC to broadcast to its own users who may be upset to learn that they arepaying more than the introductory rate. Instead, the provider A may wantto broadcast a different commercial VC to these users (e.g., one thatpromotes a bundle offer for television, phone, and Internet services).

In one example, a television-broadcasting system may be configured tosimultaneously broadcast two VCs in this manner by essentially combiningtwo television-broadcasting systems (or at least substantial portionsthereof) into one system. However, the additional entities needed forsuch a system (e.g., bypass switchers and encoders) are expensive.Further, given that a log entry typically includes only one housenumber, retrieving and simultaneously broadcasting multiple VCs requiresa user to continually monitor and manually configure the system asappropriate. For example, a user may need to manually retrieve thesecond VC and further may need to manually change the input-to-outputmappings on one or more bypass switchers at appropriate times such thatboth the first and second VCs are broadcast to the desired users.

In one aspect of the presently disclosed system and method, anidentifier in an auxiliary-value field in a log entry may be used tofacilitate the simultaneous broadcast of two VCs. By leveraging theauxiliary-value field of a log entry to provide the functionalitydescribed above, the presently disclosed method may be implemented in asystem that includes or is configured for use with many existing trafficsystems. This is particularly advantageous given the wide-spread use ofauxiliary-value fields in traffic systems. Further, the use of atransport-stream splicer, among other things, in the system may reduceor eliminate the need for select entities (e.g., bypass switchers andencoders) that may be used in other systems as discussed above.

II. Example Television-Broadcasting System Using Two Bypass Switchersand Two Encoders

FIG. 1 shows an example television-broadcasting system, generallydesignated 100. The system 100 includes a traffic system 200, a RAPS300, a MCS 400, and an air-chain system 500. The MCS 400 may serve asthe hub of the television-broadcasting system 100 and may connect toeach of the traffic system 200, the RAPS 300, and the air-chain system500. Generally, the system 100 may be configured such that video may besent from the RAPS 300, through the MCS 400, and to the air-chain system500 for television broadcast. As described in greater detail below, theMCS 400 uses two bypass switchers and the air-chain system 500 uses twoencoders, such that the system 100 may simultaneously broadcast two VCs.

A. Traffic System

FIG. 2 shows the traffic system 200 in greater detail. The trafficsystem 200 may be configured for creating and sending a traffic log tothe MCS 300, and may include a data storage 202 and a communicationinterface 204, both of which may be connected to each other by aconnection mechanism (e.g., a system bus) 206. The traffic system 200may be configured to store traffic logs in the data storage 202, andsend the stored traffic logs, via the communication interface 204, tothe MCS 300. As discussed above, two example traffic systems are WOTraffic provided by WideOrbit Inc. of San Francisco, Calif., andOSi-Traffic™ provided by Harris Corporation of Melbourne, Fla.

B. RAPS

FIG. 3 shows the RAPS 300 in greater detail. The RAPS 300 may beconfigured to manage and organize VCs. The RAPS 300 may include a firstRAPD 302, a second RAPD 304, a data storage 306, a management system308, and a communication interface 310, each of which may be connectedto each other by a connection mechanism 312.

The RAPDs 302, 304 may be configured to record VCs (e.g., a VC retrievedfrom the data storage 306) and playout (i.e. send) VCs, via the MCS 400,to the air-chain system 500. The first RAPD 302 may include a datastorage 314 and an output 316, both of which may be connected to eachother by a connection mechanism (not shown). The data storage 314 may beused for storing VCs that may be sent via the output 316. Likewise, thesecond RAPD 304 may include a data storage 318 and an output 320, bothof which may be connected to each other by a connection mechanism (notshown). The management system 308 may be configured to manage the RAPDs302, 304 by organizing and moving VCs back-and-forth between the RAPDsand the data storage 306. The communication interface 310 may connectthe RAPS 300 to the MCS 400 or to another entity. An example of a RAPDis the K2 server provided by Grass Valley™ of San Francisco, Calif.

C. MCS

FIG. 4 shows the MCS 400 in greater detail. The MCS 400 may beconfigured to receive a VC sent from one of the RAPDs 302, 304, channelthe VC though one or more entities, and send the VC to the air-chainsystem 500 for television broadcast. In one example, the MCS 400includes a router 402, a stunt switcher 404, a first bypass switcher406, a second bypass switcher 408, and an AS 410, each of which may beconnected to each other by a connection mechanism (not shown).

The router 402 may be configured to map two or more source entities totwo or more destination entities, and may include two or more inputs,including a first input 412 and a second input 414, and two or moreoutputs, including a first output 416 and a second output 418. Theinputs 412, 414, and the outputs 416, 418 may each be connected to eachother by a connection mechanism (not shown).

The first RAPD 302 may be connected to the router 402 via the output 316and the input 412. The second RAPD 302 may be connected to the router402 via the output 320 and the input 414. In some instances, the router402 may be connected, via the inputs 412, 414, to another source entity(e.g., a satellite or a newsroom production control system). An exampleof a router is the Blackmagic Design Videohub provided by BlackmagicDesign Pty. Ltd. of Fremont, Calif.

The stunt switcher 404 may be configured to map a source entity to adestination entity, and may include two or more inputs, including afirst input 420, and a second input 422, and two or more outputs,including a first output 424 and a second output 426. The stunt switchermay also include a data storage 427. The inputs 420, 422, the outputs424, 426, and the data storage 427 may each be connected to each otherby a connection mechanism (not shown).

The router 402 may be connected to the stunt switcher 404 via the output416 and the input 420. The router may also be connected to the stuntswitcher 404 via the output 418 and the input 422. The stunt switcher404 may also be configured to provide graphical overlay and other videoeffects (sometimes referred to as “stunt work” or “digital videoeffects”) to a received VC before it is sent out. The stunt switcher maystore effect data in the data storage 427. An example of a stuntswitcher is the Miranda NVISION NVS5100MC provided by NVision, Inc. ofCoppell, Tex.

The bypass switchers 406, 408 each may be configured to map a sourceentity to a destination entity. The first bypass switcher 406 mayinclude an input 428 and an output 430, both of which may be connectedto each other by a connection mechanism (not shown). The stunt switcher404 may be connected to the first bypass switcher 406 via the output 424and the input 428.

The second bypass switcher 408 may include at least two inputs includinga first input 432 and a second input 434, and an output 436, each ofwhich may be connected to each other by a connection mechanism (notshown). The stunt switcher 404 may be connected to the second bypassswitcher 408 via the output 424 and the input 432. In one example, asplitter (not shown) may be used such that the stunt switcher 404 mayconnect to both the first bypass switcher 406 and the second bypassswitcher 408. The stunt switcher 404 may also be connected to the secondbypass switcher 408 via the output 426 and the input 434. An example ofa bypass switcher is the X-1202H switcher provided by EvertzMicrosystems, Ltd. of Burlington, Ontario, Canada.

Accordingly, provided that the router 402, the stunt switcher 404, andthe first bypass switcher 406 all have the appropriate input-to-outputmappings, a first VC send from the first RAPD 302 to the MCS 400 may bechanneled through the entities in the MCS and sent out the MCS.Likewise, provided that the router 402, the stunt switcher 404, and thesecond bypass switcher 408 all have the appropriate input-to-outputmappings (including the input 434 being mapped to the output 436), asecond VC sent from the second RAPD to the MCS 400 may be channeledthrough the entities in the MCS and sent out the MCS 400.

The AS 410 may be configured to perform or to cause performance of oneor more functions related to the system 100. The AS 410 may include aprocessor 438, a data storage 440, a user-interface 442, and acommunication interface 444, all of which may be connected by aconnection mechanism (not shown). The processor 438 may include one ormore general-purpose processors (e.g., microprocessors) and/orspecial-purpose processors (e.g., digital signal processors and/orapplication specific integrated circuits).

The data storage 440 may include one or more volatile and/ornon-volatile storage components and may be integrated in whole or inpart with the processor 438. The data storage 440 may take the form of anon-transitory computer-readable medium and may contain programinstructions, that when executed by the processor 438, cause performanceof one or more functions. For example, the AS 410 may cause the trafficsystem 200, the RAPS 300, the MCS 400, the air-chain system 500, anentity included therein, and/or another entity to perform one of more ofthe functions described in this disclosure. The AS 410 may cause suchfunctions to be performed by sending instructions and/or other data viaa communication interface and/or a connection mechanism. The AS 410 mayreceive data via the same path. In one example, the AS 410 sends andreceives data via a video disk control protocol (VDCP).

D. Air-Chain System

FIG. 5 shows the air-chain system 500 in greater detail. The air-chainsystem 500 may be configured to prepare and broadcast the first VCreceived from the MCS 400 to a first group of users, and to prepare andbroadcast the second VC received from the MCS 400 to a second group ofusers. The air-chain system 500 may include a first encoder 502, asecond encoder 504, a first OBD 506, and a second OBD 508.

Each encoder 502, 504 may be configured to receive a VC from a sourceentity, generate a transport stream (TS), and send the generated TS to adestination entity. The TS may be described as including the VC, meaningthat the TS includes the encoded representation of the VC, among otherthings. The first encoder 502 may include an input 510 and an output512, each of which may be connected by a connection mechanism (notshown). The first bypass switcher 406 may be connected to the firstencoder 502 via the output 430 and the input 510. Likewise, the secondencoder 504 may include an input 514 and an output 516, each of whichmay be connected by a connection mechanism (not shown). The secondbypass switcher 408 may be connected to the second encoder 504 via theoutput 436 and the input 514.

In one example, each of the encoders 502, 504 may generate a TS by,among other things, encoding video based on the high-definitionserial-digital-interface (HD-SDI) standard to video based on the MPEG 2standard. Typically, a TS includes at least two portions, namely programidentification (PID) data and payload data. In one example, a TS is astream of 188-byte packets where each packet includes 13-bits of PIDdata, with the remaining portion being payload data. In each packet, thePID data may be described as a label for the payload data, the latterincluding, for example, encoded audio or encoded video. Typically, thepayload data of a packet having a globally recognizable label (e.g.,“0000” PID data), points to a table-of-contents (TOC) that associatesPID data with a type of payload data. For example, the TOC may indicatethat a packet with “1234” PID data includes as payload data, encodedvideo for a multi-cast channel 0.1, and that a packet with “1235” PIDdata includes as payload data, encoded video for a multi-cast channel0.2. Both the PID data and the payload data may be created by an encoderas it generates a TS. A PSIP generator connected to the encoder may beused to tell the encoder what PID data should be used for each packet.An example of an encoder is the NetVX provided by Harris Corporation ofMelbourne, Fla.

Each OBD 506, 508 may be configured to receive a TS from a sourceentity, and broadcast the TS (i.e., including a VC) to multipledestination entities. The first OBD 506 may include an input 518 and thefirst encoder may be connected to the first OBD via the input 518.Likewise, the second OBD 508 may include an input 520 and the secondencoder 504 may be connected to the second OBD via the input 520.

Each OBD 506, 508 may be a transmitter, satellite, terrestrial fibertransmitter, or network connection (e.g., for an Internet feed) that maycorrespond with a service provider. For example, the OBD 506 maybroadcast a first TS (including the first VC) to a group of usersassociated with the service provider A, and the second OBD 508 maybroadcast a second TS (including the second VC) to a group of usersassociated with the service provider B.

As shown, the system 100 may be configured to simultaneously broadcastthe first VC and the second VC. However, by modifying theinput-to-output mapping on the second bypass switcher 408 (i.e., suchthat the input 432, rather than the input 434, maps to the output 436),the first VC may be sent to both of the encoders 502, 504, and thereforeboth OBDs 506, 508. Notably, in this configuration, the second RAPD 304need not send the second VC to the MCS 400 as the first VC is ultimatelysent to both of the OBDs 506, 508.

As noted above, each log entry typically includes a single house number.Therefore, while the AS may cause the first RAPD 302 to retrieve thefirst VC based on a log entry, a master control operator or other usertypically needs to cause the second RAPD 304 to retrieve the second VCif simultaneous broadcasting of VCs is desired. Further, the usertypically needs to manually modify the input-to-output mapping on thesecond bypass switcher 408 at the appropriate time (e.g., when the firstand second VCs are intended to be simultaneously broadcast) such thatthe second VC (rather than the first VC) is sent to the second OBD 508.Likewise, the user typically needs to again modify the input-to-outputmapping of the second bypass switcher 408 once the first and second VCshave been simultaneously broadcast to return to the configuration inwhich a single VC is sent to the OBDs 506, 508. Typically, the userperforms these manual operations in response to a special request fromthe traffic manager (e.g., based on a written note).

III. Example Television-Broadcasting System Using a Transport-StreamSplicer

FIG. 6 shows another example television-broadcasting system, generallydesignated 600. As described in greater detail below, the system 600uses a transport-stream splicer, among other things, to simultaneouslybroadcast two VCs. This may reduce or eliminate the need for two bypassswitches and two encoders (as described above) to provide suchfunctionality. The system 600 may include the traffic system 200 of thesystem 100, but a modified RAPS 700, MCS 800 and air-chain system 850(as compared to the RAPS 300, the MCS 400 and the air-chain system 500).

FIG. 7 shows the RAPS 700 in greater detail. The RAPS 700 include a RAPD702, a data storage 704, a management system 706, and a communicationinterface 708, each of which may be connected to each other via aconnection mechanism 710. The RAPD 702 may include a data storage 712and an output 714, both of which may be connected to each other via aconnection mechanism (not shown).

FIG. 8 shows the MCS 800 and the air-chain system 850 in greater detail.The MCS 800 may include a switching network 802, a transport-streamsplicer 804, and an AS 806, each of which may be connected to each othervia a connection mechanism (not shown). The air-chain system 750 mayinclude an encoder 852, a first OBD 852, and a second OBD 854.

In the MCS 800, the switching network 802 may be configured to map oneor more source entities to one or more destination entities. Theswitching network 802 may include an input 808, and an output 810. Inone example, the switching network 802 includes a router, a stuntswitcher, and a bypass switcher, all of which may be configured in asame or similar manner as those discussed above in connection with theMCS 400 (although notably there is no need for a second bypass switcheras used in the MCS 400). As such, the input 808 may be an input of arouter, the output 810 may be an output of a bypass switcher, and therouter and the bypass switcher may be connected by a stunt switcher.

The RAPD 702 may be connected to the switching network 802 via theoutput 714 and the input 808. The encoder 852 may include an input 858and an output 860, both of which may be connected to each other via aconnection mechanism. The switching network 802 may be connected to theencoder 852 via the output 810 and the input 858. The first OBD 854 mayinclude an input 862, and the encoder 852 may be connected to the firstOBD via the output 860 and the input 862.

The splicer 804 may be configured to generate a TS that combines aportion of an existing TS with video. The splicer 804 may include aninput 812, a communication interface 814, an output 816, and a datastorage 818, each of which may be connected to each other via aconnection mechanism (not shown). The encoder 852 may be connected tothe splicer 804 via the output 860 and the input 812. A splitter (notshown) may be used such that the encoder 852 may connect to both thefirst OBD 854 and the splicer 804. The data storage 818 may be used tostore video (e.g., a VC retrieved via the communication interface 814and from the data storage 704). The splicer 804 may use the storedvideo, together with a first TS received via the input 812 to generate asecond TS that may be sent from the splicer 804 to the second OBD 856(via the output 816 and an input 864 of the second OBD) for broadcast toa second group of users.

In generating the second TS, the splicer 804 may parse the first TS andseparate its PID data and its payload data (including the first VC). Thesplicer 804 may maintain the PID data, but replace the payload data(including the first VC) with new payload data (representing the secondVC). This allows the second TS to be sent directly to an OBD forbroadcast (i.e., no additional encoder is needed). An example of asplicer is the Sapphire Transport Stream Server provided by ThomsonVideo Networks of Southwick, Mass.

In one example, the AS 806 is configured in a same or similar manner asthe AS 410 discussed above in connection with the MCS 400, but for usewith the system 600. As such, the AS 806 may be configured to perform orto cause performance of one or more functions related to the system 600.

Provided that entities in the switching network 802 have the appropriateinput-to-output mappings, the first VC played out by the RAPD 702 andsent to the MCS 800 may be channeled through the switching network 802and sent to the encoder 852 such that the encoder may generate a firstTS (that includes the first VC) and may send the generated first TS tothe first OBD for broadcast to a first group of users. Further, providedthat a second VC is stored in the data storage 818, the splicer 804 maygenerate a second TS (that includes the second VC) and send it to thesecond OBD 856 for broadcast to a second group of users, simultaneouslywhile the first TS is being sent to the first OBD 854 for broadcast tothe first group of users.

The systems 100, 600 described above are non-limiting example. Indeed,the presently disclosed system may include some or all of the entitiesdiscussed above, and may be arranged in different ways as would beapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. As one example, in the MCS400, the router 402 may be connected directly to the bypass switcher 406(i.e., omitting the stunt switcher 404). As another example, the datastorage 704 and the management system 706 may be included in the MCS700, rather than in the RAPS 700.

IV. Example Methods

FIGS. 9A and 9B show a flow chart illustrating functions in accordancewith an example method for simultaneously broadcasting two VCs. Thefunctions may be logically grouped into sets, one for each of the twoVCs being broadcast simultaneously.

A. Broadcasting a First VC to a First OBD

At block 902, the method may involve the AS 806 selecting a log entryfrom a log, where the log entry includes a first identifier that maps toa first VC and a second identifier that maps to a second VC. In oneexample, the first identifier is included in a house-number field of theselected log-entry, and the second identifier is included in anauxiliary-value field of the selected log-entry. In one example, the AS806 may select an entry from a log as the AS 806 traverses the log. Asdiscussed above, the AS 806 may traverse entries of a log based on thescheduling data included in the log entries. As such, the selected logentry refers to a particular entry that is “current” in the traversal.

At block 904, the method may involve responsive to the AS 806 selectingthe log entry, the RAPD 702 retrieving the first VC. For example, theRAPD 702 may retrieve the first VC from the data storage 704.

At block 906, the method may involve the RAPD 702 sending the retrievedfirst-VC to the encoder 852. In one example, the RAPD 702 sends theretrieved first-VC to the encoder 852 via the switching network 802(e.g., via a router, stunt switcher, and bypass switcher, each havingappropriate input-to-output mappings).

At block 908, the method may involve the encoder 852 generating a firstTS having PID data and payload data including the sent first-VC.

At block 910, the method may involve the encoder 852 sending thegenerated first-TS to the first OBD 854 for broadcast.

B. Broadcasting a Second VC to a Second OBD

As noted above, in addition to broadcasting the first VC, the second VCmay be simultaneously broadcast. At block 912, the method may involvethe encoder 852 sending the generated first-TS to the splicer 804 (e.g.,via the output 860 and the input 812).

At block 914, the method may involve responsive to the AS 806 selectingthe log entry, the AS 806 loading the splicer 804 with the second VC.For example, the AS 806 may load the splicer 804 with the second VC bycopying the second VC from the data storage 706 to the data storage 818via the communication interface 814 and using a file-transfer protocol(FTP).

At block 916, the method may involve the splicer 804 generating a secondTS having the PID data of the generated first-TS, and having payloaddata including the loaded second-VC. For example, the splicer 804 maygenerate the second TS based on the first TS received via the input 812and the loaded second-VC stored in the data storage 818.

At block 918, the method may involve the splicer 804 sending thegenerated second-TS to the second OBD 856 for broadcast.

Among other things, the example method reduces or eliminates the needfor a user to manually monitor and configure the system tosimultaneously broadcast VCs. Indeed, based on the identifiers in thelog entry, the AS 806 may seamlessly cause multiple VCs to besimultaneously broadcast such as by performing the functions discussedabove. Further, such functionality may be provided by the system 600that does not require multiple bypass switchers or multiple encoders asdiscussed above in connection with the example system 100.

C. Timing

While the functions described above have been logically grouped into twosets (i.e., one for each of the two VCs being simultaneously broadcast),the functions need not be performed in the order recited. Indeed, in oneexample, the AS 806 may select a log entry before the scheduled starttime corresponding to the log entry such that the AS may perform selectfunctions in advance as needed. This may ensure that the system 600 isproperly prepared to broadcast each of the two VCs at the scheduledstart time.

For instance, the AS 806 may select a log entry several hours before thecorresponding scheduled start time. Select functions may then bescheduled based on the scheduled start time. For example, the AS 806 maybegin loading the splicer 804 with the second VC one hour before thescheduled start time and the RAPD 702 may begin retrieving the first VCten minutes before the scheduled start time. Notably, since it may takemore time for the AS 806 to load the splicer 804 with the second VCusing a FTP than it may take the RAPD 702 to retrieve the first VC usinga VDCP, in one example, the AS 806 may load the splicer with the secondVC before the RAPD retrieves the first VC.

However, while select functions may be performed at various times and indifferent orders, the functions at blocks 910 and 918, namely sendingthe first and second TSs to the first and second OBDs for simultaneousbroadcasting, are performed simultaneously. Notably, use of the term“simultaneously” in this disclosure means at the same time or atsubstantially the same time and is used to refer to VCs being sent tothe OBDs for broadcast during a common time slot. As such, two VCsbroadcast generally during the same time slot, but that are slightlyoffset from each other (e.g., one second or possibly more due to signalprocessing, etc.) are still considered to be simultaneously broadcastfor the purposes of this disclosure.

D. Additional VCs and/or OBDs

While the examples provided above discuss simultaneously broadcastingtwo VCs, in other examples, three or any other multiple of VCs may besimultaneously broadcast. Such functionality may be provided by addingadditional splicers and OBDs to the system 600. Indeed, the encoder 852may connect to each additional splicer in the same manner as describedabove (e.g., using additional splitters), and each splicer may beconnected to a corresponding additional OBD. Further, the log entry mayinclude additional identifiers (e.g., in additional auxiliary-valuefields) that map to corresponding additional VCs for simultaneousbroadcast.

In one example, the identifier may also indicate into which splicer theVC is loaded and therefore which OBD should broadcasts the correspondingVC. For example, the AS 806 may identify the splicer 804 and the secondOBD 856 based on a prefix of the second identifier. This allows atraffic manager or other user to easily create the log entries havingmultiple VCs that are to be simultaneously broadcast. For example, thetraffic manager may create a log entry having a first identifier“ABC111111” in a house-number field, a second identifier “DEF222222” ina first auxiliary-value field, and a third identifier “GHI333333” in athird auxiliary-value field. Based on the prefix ABC, the AS 806 mayload a particular splicer in the system (i.e., one connected to a firstOBD corresponding to a provider ABC) with the corresponding VC, whichthen sends it to the first OBD. The AS 806 may do the same with thesecond and third identifiers such that VCs are simultaneously broadcastto corresponding providers DEF and GHI. Among other things, this mayfurther reduce or eliminate the need for a user to manually monitor andconfigure the system to simultaneously broadcast VCs.

V. Example Variations

While examples have been described in terms of VCs for use in atelevision-broadcasting environment, the presently disclosed system andmethod may also be adapted for use with other multi-user distributionenvironments, including for example, a radio-broadcasting environment.Like a television-broadcasting system, a radio-broadcasting systems alsoinclude a traffic system (that also create traffic logs with log entrieshaving house-number and auxiliary-value fields), and other entities thatparallel those in a television-broadcasting system. However,radio-broadcasting system supports audio, but not video. Therefore,radio-broadcasting systems may be adapted for use with audio-components(AC) rather than VCs. As a result, select entities and/or functions anddescribed throughout this disclosure may be adapted accordingly. Forexample, the encoder 852 may generate a first data stream (DS) thatincludes a first AC a (rather that a first TS that includes a first VCin the television environment). Then, the splicer 804 may generate asecond DS that maintains the continuity of the generated first DS, butthat includes a loaded second AC instead of the first AC.

Notably, the term MC may refer to either an AC or a VC. In anotherexample, the presently disclosed system and method may be adapted foruse with an Internet-broadcasting environment (e.g., an environment inwhich MCs are broadcast over IP to end-user devices). The term broadcastas used in this disclosure also includes multicast.

While one or more functions of the presently disclosed method have beendescribed as being performed by the certain entities (e.g., the AS 808),the functions may be performed by any entity, such as those included inthe system 600 described above. Also, not all functions need to beperformed to achieve the desired advantages of the presently disclosedmethod, and therefore not all functions are required.

Further, while examples have been described in terms of selectembodiments, alterations and permutations of these embodiments will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the use oflogical structures including condition statements can be modified,interchanged, or restricted without departing from the presentlydisclosed system and method. Other changes, substitutions, andalterations are also possible without departing from the presentlydisclosed system and method in its broader aspects as set forth in thefollowing claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: a master-controlautomation-system (AS) selecting a log entry from a television-broadcasttraffic-log, the log entry including (i) a first identifier that maps toa first video-component (VC) and (ii) a second identifier that maps to asecond VC; a recording-and-playout device (RAPD) retrieving the firstVC; the RAPD sending the retrieved first-VC to an encoder; the encodergenerating a first transport-stream (TS) having (i)program-identification (PID) data, and (ii) payload data including thesent first-VC; the encoder sending the generated first-TS to a firstoutbound-broadcast device (OBD) for television-broadcast; the encodersending the generated first-TS to a transport-stream splicer; the ASloading the splicer with the second VC; the splicer generating a secondTS having (i) the PID data of the generated first-TS, and (ii) payloaddata including the loaded second-VC; and the splicer sending thegenerated second-TS to a second OBD for television-broadcast,simultaneously while the encoder sends the generated first-TS to thefirst OBD.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first identifier isincluded in a house-number field of the selected log-entry, and thesecond identifier is included in an auxiliary-value field of theselected log-entry.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first VC isdifferent from the second VC, and the first OBD is different from thesecond OBD.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the RAPD sending theretrieved first-VC to the encoder comprises the RAPD sending theretrieved first-VC to the encoder via a switching network.
 5. The methodof claim 4, wherein the AS loading the splicer with the second VCcomprises the AS loading the splicer with the second VC using afile-transfer protocol (FTP).
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the ASloading the splicer with the second VC occurs before the RAPD retrievesthe first VC.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: identifyingthe second OBD based on the second identifier, wherein sending thegenerated second-TS to the second OBD for television-broadcast comprisessending the generated second-TS to the identified second-OBD fortelevision-broadcast.
 8. A method comprising: selecting a log entry froma television-broadcast traffic-log, the log entry including (i) a firstidentifier that maps to a first video-component (VC) and (ii) a secondidentifier that maps to a second VC; generating a first transport-stream(TS) having (i) program-identification (PID) data, and (ii) payload dataincluding the first VC; sending the generated first-TS to a firstoutbound-broadcast device (OBD); generating a second TS having (i) thePID data of the generated first-TS, and (ii) payload data including thesecond VC; and sending the generated second-TS to a second OBD,simultaneously while sending the generated first-TS to the first OBD. 9.The method of claim 8, wherein the first identifier is included in ahouse-number field of the selected log-entry, and the second identifieris included in an auxiliary-value field of the selected log-entry. 10.The method of claim 8, wherein the first VC is different from the secondVC, and the first OBD is different from the second OBD.
 11. The methodof claim 8, wherein generating the first TS comprises an encodergenerating the first TS, and generating the second TS comprises atransport-stream splicer generating the second TS.
 12. The method ofclaim 8, further comprising: identifying the second OBD based on thesecond identifier, wherein sending the generated second-TS to the secondOBD comprises sending the generated second-TS to the identifiedsecond-OBD.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first identifier isincluded in a house-number field of the selected log-entry, and thesecond identifier is included in an auxiliary-value field of theselected log-entry, and wherein identifying the second OBD based on thesecond identifier comprises identifying the second OBD based on a prefixof the second identifier.
 14. A non-transitory computer-readable mediumcontaining program instructions, that when executed, cause performanceof a set of functions comprising: selecting a log entry from atelevision-broadcast traffic-log, the log entry including (i) a firstidentifier that maps to a first video-component (VC) and (ii) a secondidentifier that maps to a second VC; generating a first transport-stream(TS) having (i) program-identification (PID) data, and (ii) payload dataincluding the first VC; sending the generated first-TS to a firstoutbound-broadcast device (OBD); generating a second TS having (i) thePID data of the generated first-TS, and (ii) payload data including thesecond VC; and sending the generated second-TS to a second OBDsimultaneously while sending the generated first-TS to the first OBD.15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein thefirst identifier is included in a house-number field of the selectedlog-entry, and the second identifier is included in an auxiliary-valuefield of the selected log-entry.
 16. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the first VC is differentfrom the second VC, and the first OBD is different from the second OBD.17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 14, whereingenerating the first TS comprises an encoder generating the first TS,and generating the second TS comprises a transport-stream splicergenerating the second TS.
 18. The non-transitory computer-readablemedium of claim 14, the set of functions further comprising identifyingthe second OBD based on the second identifier, wherein sending thegenerated second-TS to the second OBD comprises sending the generatedsecond-TS to the identified second-OBD.
 19. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the first identifier isincluded in a house-number field of the selected log-entry, and thesecond identifier is included in an auxiliary-value field of theselected log-entry, and wherein identifying the second OBD based on thesecond identifier comprises identifying the second OBD based on a prefixof the second identifier.
 20. The non-transitory computer-readablemedium of claim 18, wherein selecting the log entry from thetelevision-broadcast traffic-log comprises a master-control automationsystem selecting the log entry from the television-broadcasttraffic-log.